One of the most popular business structures in Florida is an LLC. They offer the tax flexibility and liability protection of a corporation while minimizing the need for filing at the federal level.
But there are many considerations to take into account before deciding on an LLC structure for your business. In this lesson, we’ll go over some of the key issues you’ll want to consider when establishing your LLC in Florida.
The Principal Office Address
One of the first steps to forming a Florida LLC is preparing Articles of Organization (for LLCs) or Articles of Incorporation (for corporations). You’ll need to include your principal office address.
Your principal office address is the address on which your LLC’s legal documents will be filed with the Secretary of State. In Florida, this address needs to be a physical street address instead of a PO Box.
You’ll also need to include the name and address of the person or service that you’ve designated as your registered agent. The registered agent is required to receive legal notices from the Florida Division of Corporations on behalf of your LLC.
The Mailing Address
Your Florida LLC’s mailing address is where most of your daily mail items and other packages will be delivered. This address is also the place where legal notices (such as court documents and notices of lawsuits) will go to your registered agent, unless you designate otherwise.
As an LLC, you are required to include a mailing address on your articles of organization and articles of incorporation. This address needs to be a physical street address and not a post office box.
But the problem with this approach is that your business’s mailing address can be easily found on Florida’s public records. This is why it’s important to choose a reputable address for your business that will keep you out of trouble.
That’s why BizFilings offers this service in every incorporation package. Our registered agent services allow you to maintain a single, stable address for your Florida LLC. This way, you won’t have to worry about updating your licensing boards and your bank every time your business moves.
The Registered Agent Address
Every Florida LLC must have a registered agent who agrees to accept legal papers on the company’s behalf if someone sues the business. A registered agent can be an individual or business entity that has a physical address in the state.
You can serve as your own registered agent, appoint a member of your organization to do so, or use a registered agent service. In any case, the registered agent’s name and address must be on public record with the state.
A business that fails to maintain a registered agent can face penalties and fees, as well as lose its status as a Florida LLC.
Hiring a professional registered agent service can help you keep your business in compliance and avoid unnecessary fines and penalties. They send regular compliance reminders and help you operate with all important documents on your behalf.
The Other Addresses
Choosing the right address is one of the most important decisions you will make. The business address is what your customers and clients see when they call or email you.
The address is also where you will post your state-required business documents. These are a must for any Florida LLC, and it is important to choose a place where you can make your paperwork visible to the public without compromising your privacy.
There are a few different address options you can choose from for your Florida LLC. However, you should be aware that these addresses are all public and can be viewed by anyone with a computer and an internet connection.
Ultimately, the best address for your Florida LLC is the one that provides your business the most value while remaining transparent and private to potential customers. Fortunately, there are many ways to accomplish this feat while still remaining legal and compliant with state laws.